Learn More: Lindblom’s Academic Center
With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up in January/February of 2026, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 6th and 7th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Lindblom’s Academic Center, a strong choice for students who are ready for advanced academics and an early start on high school-level learning.
Lindblom Academic Center is part of Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy, a selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. Lindblom is widely known for its rigorous academic expectations, especially in math and science, and for its unique year-round school calendar. The Academic Center serves students in grades 7 and 8 and students admitted to Lindblom’s Academic Center are guaranteed a seat in Lindblom’s high school if they choose to continue there, creating a smooth transition into ninth grade.
Academic Center students take accelerated courses that go deeper and move faster than standard middle school classes. In math, students typically complete an integrated two-year Algebra sequence, allowing many to begin geometry when they enter high school. In science, students receive laboratory-based training and participate in in-depth experiments. Lindblom also offers unique world language opportunities, including Mandarin Chinese and Arabic, giving students exposure to languages not commonly available at the middle school level.
Furthermore, Lindblom uses a block schedule, which allows students to spend longer periods in each class and explore topics in greater depth. In addition to core subjects, students participate in enrichment courses called colloquia, which are project-based classes that explore a wide range of topics such as science, culture, the arts, and real-world problem solving.
Outside the classroom, Academic Center students are connected to Lindblom’s broader school community and can take part in extracurricular activities alongside older students, including Debate, Robotics, Art Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, and Gay/Straight Alliance. The school’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Public League, with sports such as basketball, football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, and track and field.
Admission to Lindblom is selective and competitive, based on grades and performance on the CPS Academic Center Entrance Exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel prepared for the exam.